Doha: In collaboration with the International Road Federation and the World Conference on Transport Research Society, Qatar University (QU)'s College of Engineering successfully organized a specialized training course on Road Safety Audits, reflecting a shared dedication to advancing safer road systems. The training brought together over 35 senior engineers and road safety professionals from key national institutions, along with various engineering consultancy and contracting firms.
According to Qatar News Agency, the course was led by Dr. Wael Alhajyaseen of Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Center (QTTSC) and Eng. Miguel Santos, a senior road safety expert with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). It provided participants with the latest methodologies and tools for planning, conducting, and evaluating road safety audits. The interactive sessions emphasized practical application and global best practices.
Dean of the College of Engineering at QU, Dr. Khaled Kamal Naji highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating, "Road safety remains a pressing global issue, particularly with the rising number of crashes involving young drivers. This training course is part of our mission to promote safe road environments through education, research, and capacity building. QTTSC plays a critical role in advancing these objectives within the framework of academic excellence and public service."
For her part, Director of QTTSC, Dr. Shimaa Ali Al Quradaghi stressed the importance of proactive safety measures: "Tools like road safety audits and inspections are fundamental for identifying and mitigating risks before they result in crashes. These preventive approaches support safer traffic operations across all road types."
She also reaffirmed QTTSC's alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by addressing safety and sustainability in transport planning. A follow-up training course on road safety in work zones to be held in September was announced, as part of a series of training courses continuously offered by the center, reaffirming its leading role in supporting and building the professional capacities of specialists in the State of Qatar and the region.